Mr BeAllAndEndAll!

The last few days, while having some time off, I’ve been diving and splashing around in a Sea of Thoughts. Some waves were great memories of recent times but I found an overwhelming currant swirling around my feet and occasionally recently its managed to knock me off my feet.

For ages, years, I’ve been pushing and striving to be Mr Perfect man to all. The perfect husband, the perfect father, brother, son, the perfect employee. I’ve been desperate to fit that flawless pedestal mounted mould, and I’ve been having harsh words with myself when I haven’t succeeded. It’s been a tough slog. There’s moments when I get it right and my cheeks pull off a satisfied grin, but most of the time it’s left me anxious and at my wits end, ready to quit. It’s left me sleep deprived and stressed, trying to be everything to everyone.

But today I realised that there’s no need get swept up in the pressure. I don’t need to strive. I’ve been trying to be this Mr Macho Action Man hoping to make my kids think I’m cool and exciting. At the same time, I’ve tried to be Mr Great Ideas at work and Mr Thinks-of-Everything for my wife, with a side portion of Mr Laugh-a-Minute and a squirt of Mr Head-Screwed-On for everyone at the drop of a hat! Frankly I’m out of breath.

However, having managed to swim to the shore line and catch my panicked breath I’ve remembered the scripture in Romans 5 where the church is described as a body and we all have an individual part to play. Without me being me, the world around me won’t function like it should. A worn out plate spinning version of me won’t allow others to play their role as part of my family, my team at work or in building my local church.

Phew! Panic over and pressure off. I don’t need to be a flashy action hero or a first-rate stand-up comedian or even a dream George Clooney husband to be the man God called me to be. I can still be a brilliant husband, father, employee, etc, without having to dash around in a cape and with my pants over my trousers. I need to let the funny people have their say, the thoughtful people bless and let the creative ones loose with my gift of encouragement and my resources to facilitate others to flourish and play their part.

I’m not called to be everything to everyone – God is. Trust me – everyone has a much better deal this way!